Additional screening: 18 September / 19:35 / KINO 42
The Ukrainian Competition brings together a vibrant mix of short films that really tap into the weirdness of our times. These filmmakers are capturing a world full of contradictions, where everything feels sharper, and the desire to live fully is stronger than ever. It’s a showcase of creativity and resilience, offering fresh and innovative takes on what it means to navigate through such a surreal moment in history.
Smoke of the Fire
Director: Daryna Mamaisur
Country: Portugal, Ukraine
Duration: 21
There is Portugal, there is the Portuguese language and there is a Ukrainian filmmaker who learns the language and approaches the role of the potential migrant. There is also a play of words: zangar and o zangāo. How is it possible to express such an empowering emotion as anger in the fragile attempts of a beginner? The video essay is woven from the filmmaker’s narration, language classes, personal videos and archival images from Kyiv – revealing the split reality of anyone who is finding a safe place abroad while longing for home, which is under the constant danger of war.
Happy End Day
Director: Anastasia Mykhalchuk
Country: Ukraine
Duration: 13
А family is preparing for a holiday. The holiday is the end of the world. They have no evidence, only faith. The only one who doesn't is grandfather. His only wish is to be with his family and watch their future happening. As they all wait their fears come out as the keys to what is within. Eventually, shall the quiet end come? Will there be tomorrow?
Walk
Director: Daria Zhuravel
Country: Ukraine, Georgia
Duration: 7
This is an autobiographical story by Daria Zhuravel, dedicated to the childhood and those who are no longer with us, but whose presence accompanies us wherever we go.
Under the Sign of Anchor
Director: Taras Spivak
Country: Ukraine
Duration: 29
The elite Kyiv Naval Political College operates in a city without access to the sea. The first Soviet aircraft carrier, the Kyiv, became the flagship of the Northern Fleet. The school’s students, future political officers of the Soviet navy, go on a long navigation voyage; meanwhile, at their alma mater the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy opens. Focusing on the history of the institution’s changing ideological functions, Under the Sign of Anchor explores the complex and sometimes paradoxical connections between war and culture, the Soviet past and the present. The film is based on materials from film archives from the time of the collapse of the USSR and the first years of Ukraine’s independence.
The Bridge
Director: Mykyta Lyskov
Country: Ukraine
Duration: 01:52
"Bridge" is a series of prints by artist Andriy Sokoleno (Dnipro), and fragments of these graphic works were used for the animation.
Blueberry Summer
Director: Masha Kondakova
Country: France
Duration: 18
This summer, Ksyusha has to spend it harvesting blueberries in the forest of Kiev with her mother and sister to earn a living for her family. But she is distracted, waiting for her lover Misha. As they flirt, they go deeper and deeper into the forest, unaware of the danger.